The Significance of Eid al-Adha 2023: Exploring the Start Date and Wishing ‘Eid Mubarak’ to All

When is Eid al-Adha 2023? Big Eid start date, what ‘Eid Mubarak’ means and the festival explained

Eid al-Adha: A Lunar Festival with Changing Dates

Eid al-Adha, one of the holiest festivals in Islam, is fast approaching. The date of Eid al-Adha changes each year as it is based on the lunar cycle. This festival follows the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. Due to the tradition of moon sighting, Eid al-Adha can fall on different dates around the world.

Eid al-Adha 2023: The Tenth Day of Dhul-Hijjah

Eid al-Adha is observed on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. As the Islamic calendar is based on the phases of the moon, the date of Eid al-Adha moves forward approximately 11 days annually in the Gregorian calendar. While it is not possible to predict the exact date, we receive some advance notice compared to Eid al-Fitr, which falls at the beginning of the month.

According to Saudi Arabia, which is followed by many Muslims around the world, Dhul-Hijjah began on Monday, June 19, 2023. This means that Eid al-Adha starts on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. The festival lasts for four days and comes to an end on the evening of Sunday, July 2, 2023.

Moon Sighting Debate

There is an ongoing debate about moon sighting and its relevance to determining the start of Eid. Some argue that the tradition should involve physically witnessing the moon in one’s region, but this can be hindered by factors such as weather conditions. Others suggest deferring to sightings in Saudi Arabia or other regions.

Advancements in astronomy have made it possible to calculate the rising of the new moon with precision. This has led some to propose using a standardized start date for Eid al-Adha that can be followed by Muslims worldwide, eliminating variations caused by moon sightings.

Eid al-Adha: The Festival of the Sacrifice

Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of the Sacrifice” or colloquially as “Big Eid,” is considered the holier of the two Islamic Eid festivals. It commemorates the famous story of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in the Christian Old Testament) and his willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. However, before Ibrahim could carry out the heartbreaking act, God provided a lamb for him to sacrifice instead.

To honor this story, an animal is traditionally sacrificed and divided into three parts, a practice known as Qurbani. One part is given to the poor, one to the immediate family at home, and one is reserved for relatives. Some Muslims choose to give money to charity, allowing poorer families to have a proper Eid feast. Mosques and community groups often organize communal meals during this time.

The Meaning of “Eid Mubarak”

“Eid Mubarak” is the traditional phrase used by Muslims to greet each other during Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. The term “mubarak” translates to “blessed” in Arabic, while “Eid” means feast, festival, or celebration. Therefore, “Eid Mubarak” can be interpreted as “blessed celebration” or simply “happy Eid.” It is a widely used phrase and does not require any further specification.

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims greet each other with “Ramadan Mubarak” at the start of the month and throughout the fasting period. While “Ramadan Kareem” is less commonly used, it translates to “Generous Ramadan.” It can be used as a greeting and also refers to acts of generosity towards others. There is a debate about the appropriateness of “Ramadan Kareem” as the expectation of generosity could be seen as contrary to the principles of fasting and prayer. However, some argue that it appropriately reflects the generosity of actions during Ramadan.

In conclusion, Eid al-Adha 2023 will be observed on Wednesday, June 28, according to Saudi Arabia. This festival holds great significance in Islam and marks a time of reflection, sacrifice, and generosity. The greetings “Eid Mubarak” and “Ramadan Mubarak” are commonly used to convey well wishes and blessings during these festive occasions.